Beginning, Again

I might argue that February 2 is one of the most depressing days of the year. It wasn’t always that way. February 2 is the little-known Christian feast of Candlemas, arriving 40 days after Christmas; it marks the day that baby Jesus was presented in the temple, after Mary’s postpartum rituals of purification were done. Greek Orthodox still celebrate it; their priests blessing beeswax candles and sending them home with parishioners, and Mexican Catholics celebrate it, how else? by throwing a party.